Tips from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service:
With Halloween quickly approaching, the Montgomery County
Fire and Rescue Service and Safe Kids Montgomery would like to offer some
important tips for a safe Halloween. “Recent research shows that on Halloween,
children are at greater risk of being fatally injured by a motor vehicle than
any other day of the year,” said Fire Chief Steven Lohr. “While we always
encourage responsible driving, we’re asking drivers to be especially vigilant
this Halloween. Please eliminate all distractions, expect the unexpected, and
do not exceed posted speed limits, especially in residential communities.
Despite the fun and excitement, it’s a potentially dangerous night with so many
kids on our streets. Without adequate adult supervision, trick or treaters
often forget important pedestrian safety rules. Hence, safe driving behaviors
go a long way toward averting a potential tragedy.”
Plan a safe route.
1. Where are trick or treaters most likely to be struck by a
car? When crossing in the middle of the block. Accompany children and remind them to stop at all street corners, cross
only at intersections and crosswalks. Teach them to look left, right and left
before crossing the street and to continue looking both ways as they cross. If
you’re a motorist, please slow down and be prepared to give trick or treaters a
brake.
2. Stay in familiar neighborhoods and have a parent or
responsible adult accompany trick or treaters. Visit only those houses where
the lights are on. Accept treats only in the doorway and NEVER go inside a
house or apartment.
3. Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone
number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
4. Safety in numbers.
If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, designate a
route before the kids go trick or treating, tell your kids to stay in a group,
avoid taking short cuts through backyards and alleys and ask them to check in
regularly.
5. Ensure trick-or-treaters stay away from open flames or
jack-o-lanterns with candles burning.
6. Children should avoid busy streets, always use sidewalks,
and follow all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists should drive slowly and
be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when
motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of
small children.
Be a good neighbor.
1. Keep your porch
lights on and eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Remove
outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles, garden hoses and lawn ornaments.
Make sure the driveway and steps are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping
and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for
incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs.
2. Pets get frightened or lost on Halloween. Confine your
pets for their safety and for that of trick or treaters. Also keep candy, which
can be toxic, away from pets.
Be Safe – Be Seen.
1. Don’t assume the right-of-way. Motorists may have trouble
seeing trick-or-treaters in the dark. Just because one car stops doesn’t mean
others will.
2. Encourage kids to follow all the rules for pedestrian
safety. That includes obeying all traffic laws, looking both ways before
crossing, using crosswalks, crossing at intersections and corners and never
darting between parked cars.
All Dressed Up.
1. Plan costumes that are bright and have reflective
qualities. Consider adding reflective tape or decals to costumes and trick or
treat bags. Be sure kids carry a flashlight and use glow sticks for extra
visibility.
2. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories purchase
only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
3. Have an adult inspect treats BEFORE eating anything. Do
not eat any unwrapped, partially wrapped, or homemade-looking treats.
4. Shorter IS safer. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes
are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with an open
flame.
5. Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider
non-toxic makeup as a safer alternative.
6. If a sword, cane or stick is part of your child’s
costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by
these accessories if they trip or fall.
Decorate Safely.
1. Illuminate your jack-o-lanterns with flashlights or
battery-operated candles instead of real ones. You won’t have the worries of an
open flame coming in contact with anything
. . .or anyone.
2. If you do use candles, keep them well away from where
trick or treaters will be walking or standing.
Review with your children the principle of “stop, drop and roll” should
their clothing catch fire.
Lastly, teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an
emergency or become lost.
